The project is in Maltepe-Istanbul. In Idealtepe, the era of apartment buildings post-1970s saw the replacement of personal gardens, where people once connected with the soil, with filled areas and groves nearby. While individuals utilize these spaces with both their public and private rights, the shift has somewhat taken away their private havens, causing a gradual erosion of the unique identities tied to these places. In response, a dedicated route has been crafted to salvage this fading identity and foster a seamless connection between existing public green spaces.
The extensive route serves as an urban garden, concurrently promoting local production and aiding individuals in reclaiming their lost identities. The project embodies a forward-thinking approach by embracing soilless agriculture with evolving technology for the future. To further align with sustainability goals and encourage the use of electric vehicles and bicycles, the stops along the route are thoughtfully interconnected with dedicated bicycle paths. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the broader aim of incorporating renewable energy resources into daily transportation practices.
At the heart of the major route lies a vibrant festival and vegetable garden featuring a greenhouse, studio, offices, and a research area. The square formed by these multifunctional spaces offers flexible usage; it not only accommodates people during festivals but transforms into a park and fairground during non-festival periods. This space serves as a central hub for the community.
Adjacent to this central hub is the organic market area, seamlessly extending from it. Establishing a harmonious relationship with the road, this market area acts as a welcoming "gate" to the festival space. It caters to both guests from outside the neighborhood and local residents, creating a communal space that includes a resting area and facilitates the flow of people into the square.
The arrangement of structures within the festival area is strategically designed to guide people towards the central square, facilitating planned solutions. Facades facing the route are open and engaging, encouraging movement towards the square. Conversely, other façades are intentionally closed, directing attention inward, further emphasizing the central gathering space.The square itself is thoughtfully divided into two main areas with distinct characteristics – one featuring hard ground and the other soft ground. A transitional zone, balancing both hard and soft elements, serves as a seamless connection between these two surfaces, aiming to integrate two different floors in a cohesive manner. Continuing along the route, the pavilion eaves are uniquely crafted with a reverse design, creating a unified and cohesive appearance. The shape of the eaves is carefully tailored to complement the established relationship within the area, ensuring a harmonious continuation of the route and contributing to the overall unity of the space.
